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Cannas for California

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With bold flowers and bolder foliage, cannas are the flamboyant clowns of the perennial world. More popular in the Midwest, South, and East. Cannas are used less in California because:
-Cannas like warm nights. Our climate is warmer year round, but Eastern nights in May or June are warmer and more humid. Plant them where pavement or masonry walls will re-radiate heat at night.
-Cannas can look straggly. The key to canna vigor in our climate is a grooming technique. After the first cluster of blooms on a cane is spent, don’t just cut the spent cluster; cut that cane back to the ground.
-Cannas viruses. A complex of viruses cause reduced vigor, streaky foliage, and misshapen blooms. Our mild winters allow cannas viruses to overwinter. The viruses are spread by cutting tools and insects, so even virus free plants are usually infected within months. Some varieties that suffer worst from viruses include: ‘Lucifer’, ‘Technicolor’ (Pink Sunburst), ‘Wisley Dwarf’, ‘Panache’, and ‘Ehemanni’. The key is to plant vigorous virus-resistant varieties, site and prune them properly.
To see best varieties for California, click "Start Presentation". Then click on individual varieties, followed by the Details & Images tabs